Sunday, February 24, 2013

FRIGID New York Interview - Gillian English of "Love in the Time of Time Machines"

Gillian English is the Artistic Producer and founder of The Theatre Elusive. Originally from Nova Scotia, Gillian trained in theatre at Dalhousie University and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). A Toronto based performer; Gillian is one half of the comedy duo “The Young Geologists”, who have headlined the London Big Comedy Go-To, and The Spring Fever Festival. In the past year, Gillian has been featured by the CBC, CTV, The National Post, and NOW! Magazine and many other media outlets for her work in the theatre and comedy. Recent theatre credits include: Antony and Cleopatra (The Theatre Elusive), I Don’t Like You (The Theatre Elusive), Matt and Ben (The Theatre Elusive), The Wormwood Prince (Next Stage Theatre).

What’s your show about?Our show is the classic tale of boy meets girl; boy loses girl; boy travels
through time to get girl back; hijinks ensue.

What inspired you to participate in it?I read Mindy Kaling’s book “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (And Other
Concerns)” and in it she gives the advice that if you’re starting in show
business, write yourself the ideal in the ideal play. (I’m paraphrasing) But
I’ve never really tried to write a play before. So instead I enlisted the help
of my very funny writer friends David Tichauer and Ned Petrie. Together we came
up with the play and decided to take it on tour.

Who else is involved with the show?David Tichauer and Ned Petrie wrote this play, and Chris Gibbs directed.
All three of them are huge fixtures in the Toronto comedy scene and brought so
much wit and nuance to the process, the play just keeps growing with every
performance.

Who is your dream audience for this show?A full house of people who are ready to be swept up in a hilarious story of
love and loss. These people will also not be afraid to laugh out loud, or hold
their breath in anticipation. They’ve probably had at least one glass of wine.

What other shows are you planning to see at FRIGID?I’ve heard so much about A Day in the
Life of Miss Hiccup I’ll be checking that one out for sure.

What's next for you after FRIGID?We’re taking Love in the Time of Time Machines to the Montreal Fringe
Festival and the Chicago Fringe Festival. I also hope to be home long enough to
play a few games of Aussie Rules Football with the High Park Demons. Carn the
Dees!

Lightning round

Paper or
plastic? Paper, please.

Comedy or
drama? Comedy.

Beach or
mountains? Beach all the way. Preferably a Nova Scotian beach.